Marek Mazanec split his first season in North America between Nashville and Milwaukee. As of today, he’s heading up to the NHL yet again for his second spell with the Predators. (Photo Credit: Kristen Jerkins)

It appears as though tonight’s Milwaukee Admirals game might have signaled a roster move coming up for the Nashville Predators. Magnus Hellberg started in net. Rob Madore, recently called up today from the Cincinnati Cyclones, was the man sitting on the bench. And Marek Mazanec wasn’t in attendance.

It isn’t official as of yet but it is safe to assume that Mazanec has been recalled to the NHL as the Predators need a solution for the time being as Pekka Rinne deals with his lower-body injury sustained last night

Mazanec has a record of 11-8-3-1 in net this season for the Admirals with a 2.49 goals against average, 0.907 save percentage, and 3 shutouts in 23 games. Last season he played in 25 games for the Predators, had an 8-10-4 record, a 2.80 goals against average, 0.902 save percentage, and 2 shutouts. He also picked up NHL Rookie of the Month honors for November 2013.

This news might be a slight bummer for Hellberg who has shined for the Admirals this season. He has played in 7 less games than his Czech battery-mate but his numbers are great: 9-4-2-2 record, 1.72 goals against average, 0.934 save percentage, and 2 shutouts. While the Swede only had a brief NHL cameo last season, this situation presents him the opportunity to become the Admirals main netminder with his goaltending buddy from last year’s ECHL Kelly Cup Finals Madore as his back-up.

Thoughts on the call up? Did the Nashville Predators make the right choice in calling up Marek Mazanec over Magnus Hellberg? How will the Nashville Predators do without Pekka Rinne in net?

I talked to Evason at the season ticket holders party Monday night. Sounds like he and Drulia have some real agony keeping Maz and Mags busy. It sounds as if he could keep both of them for several more seasons he would. Yet, the two of them are too good to be on the same team. I’d hate to see either one go, but one will have to.